This is a hard question to answer, as it could be MANY different things. However, we'll go with the most common issues:

1.) Computer not setup properly. Make sure your computer is tweaked by going to »/tweaks/.2.) Usually, the reason why you don't see your speed test hitting the limit is because the site you're trying to run the speed test from really isn't capable of giving you a good speed test, or it's just one of those busy times of the day. If you were to try your speed test at 1AM or so, you'll probably get full speed. This is the nature of the internet. Make sure you do a speed test from several different sites to get accurate results.

3.) At this point, some of the other possible reasons why you won't get full speed is because of a bad signal level or some noise in the line. Let me try to explain it better: Say you have a 1.5MB/s connection, but for some reason you're only getting 1.15MB/s transfter. If there is noise in your line, then your modem is probably having to retransmit some of it's data. Those retransmission use up bandwidth, but it won't show up in a speed test. Remember, you're allowed to use exactly 1.5MB per SECOND. If you have to repeat something due to bad noise level, what you're repeating counts toward the 1.5MB limit.

For those who are having a hard time getting this, let me put it this way: Say you're having a conversation with someone, and you, for some strange reason, are only allow to say 12 words per minute. Here's how it'd go:

You: Hi, how are you? (4 words)Them: Good, and you?You: Not too bad, just learning some technical stuff. (8 words)

In the above example, you got full bandwidth, you were able to speak the full 12 words per minute.

See? In the example above, we still "sent" the same amount of "data" (12 words) in the alloted time, but due to a retransmission because of noise, it looks like we didn't get the full bandwidth. Make sense? Good.

Check your signal levels or ask the cable co to check the noise levels on your line. Then, replace some of your lines if necessary.

4.) Now, at this point, if you're still not getting full speed, it just may be the cable company's fault. They could have oversold your node, they may have equipment misconfigured, or in some cases, they may have just flat out lied about the speed service they were going to provide you. Unfortunately, at this point there's probably not much you can do except complain for a year until they get it fixed. However, you need to note that the cable co's policy probably states that those speeds are "NOT" guaranteed.

Good luck.

Moving on...

4.)

Feedback received on this FAQ entry:

They guarantee the speed on their lines, which means if you are talking to them only then you'll get your speed. If you are trying to access a webpage from another country or even a different state, then at that time the internet is off of their system not in their control anymore, so it all depends on each server you access. Hence the "Not guaranteed" statement they advertise with their service.